Tier 2 Summary
Working in the UK: Introduction to Tier 2
CONTENTS
- CAN YOU APPLY FOR UK TIER 2?
- UKVI TIER 2 SPONSORSHIP
- APPLYING FOR UKVI TIER 2 - DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- UK TIER 2 APPLICATION FEES
- APPLYING FOR UK TIER 2 FROM OUTSIDE THE UK
- APPLYING FOR UKVI TIER 2 FROM INSIDE THE UK
- ENROLLING YOUR TIER 2 BIOMETRICS (IN THE UK)
- BRINGING YOUR FAMILY TO THE UK UNDER TIER 2
- OTHER UK TIER 2 MATTERS:
- UKVI TIER 2 PROCESSING TIMES (IN THE UK)
- CONDITIONS OF YOUR STAY IN THE UK UNDER TIER 2
- EXTENSION OF LEAVE USING UKVI FORM T2(W) WHEN IN UK
- SETTLING IN THE UK (INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN OR ‘ILR’)
This section of the website explains whether and how you can apply to enter or remain in the UK as a skilled worker under Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system (‘Tier 2 PBS’). The Tier 2 (General) category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. Before you apply, you must read the Tier 2 policy guidance concerning the Tier 2 rules.
Do you need a Tier 2 visa to come to the UK? Tier 2 is part of the points-based system, which is for migrants from outside Europe. You do not need to apply under the points-based system to work legally in the UK if:
- you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland;
- you are a British overseas territories citizen;
- you are a Commonwealth citizen with permission to enter or stay in the UK because at least one of your grandparents was born in the UK;
- your partner or (if you are under 18) one of your parents has permission to stay in the UK under Tier 2 of the points-based system; or
- you have no conditions or time limit attached to your stay.
Acknowledgement - This section of the website includes public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0. A copy of the licence can be found at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ Such information shown is correct as at 14 August 2012. References in the text to ‘we’ and ‘us’ refer to the UK Border Agency and references to ‘you’ and ‘they’ refer to the Tier 2 applicant and his or her dependants).